Excel and PDF are two of the most commonly used file formats for storing and presenting data. Often, we need to convert Excel files into PDF files, or vice versa, in order to share or present data in a more suitable format. In this article, we will discuss some easy ways to convert Excel files into PDF files and vice versa.
How to Convert Excel to PDF
There are several ways to convert Excel files into PDF files. Here are some of the easiest and most reliable ways:
Method 1: Save as PDF
The simplest and most direct way to convert an Excel file to PDF is to save it as a PDF file. This option is available in all the latest versions of Microsoft Excel. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the Excel file you want to convert to PDF.
- Click on “File” and select “Save As” from the menu.
- In the “Save As” dialog box, select “PDF” as the file type.
- Select the location where you want to save the PDF file and click on “Save.”
This method is quick, easy, and reliable, and it preserves the formatting and layout of the data in the Excel file.
Method 2: Use an Online Converter
If you don’t have access to Microsoft Excel or if you prefer not to use the “Save as PDF” option, you can also use an online converter to convert Excel files into PDF files. There are several online converters available for free, and most of them work in a similar way. Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to an online converter, such as Online-Convert.com or SmallPDF.com.
- Select “Excel to PDF” as the conversion type.
- Upload the Excel file you want to convert, either by dragging and dropping it into the converter or by selecting it from your computer.
- Click on “Convert” and wait for the conversion process to finish.
- Download the converted PDF file to your computer.
Using an online converter is a convenient and reliable way to convert Excel files into PDF files. However, it requires an internet connection, and it may not always preserve the formatting and layout of the data in the Excel file.
How to Convert PDF to Excel
Converting PDF files to Excel files is slightly more complicated than converting Excel files to PDF files. However, there are several ways to do it, depending on the complexity of the data in the PDF file. Here are some of the easiest and most reliable ways:
Method 1: Use Adobe Acrobat
If you have access to Adobe Acrobat, you can use it to convert PDF files to Excel files. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the PDF file you want to convert in Adobe Acrobat.
- Click on “Export PDF” in the right-hand pane.
- Select “Spreadsheet” as the export format.
- Select the location where you want to save the Excel file and click on “Save.”
This method is reliable and accurate, and it preserves the formatting and layout of the data in the PDF file. However, it requires access to Adobe Acrobat, which may not be available to everyone.
Method 2: Use an Online Converter
If you don’t have access to Adobe Acrobat or if you prefer not to use it, you can also use an online converter to convert PDF files into Excel files. However, this method is not as reliable as using Adobe Acrobat, and it may not always preserve the formatting and layout of the data in the PDF file. Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to an online converter, such as Online-Convert.com or SmallPDF.com.
- Select “PDF to Excel” as the conversion type.
- Upload the PDF file you want to convert, either by dragging and dropping it into the converter or by selecting it from your computer.
- Click on “Convert” and wait for the conversion process to finish.
- Download the converted Excel file to your computer.
Using an online converter is a convenient way to convert PDF files into Excel files, but it may not always produce reliable results, particularly for complex data sets.
FAQs
Q: Can I convert a password-protected Excel file to a PDF file?
A: Yes, you can convert a password-protected Excel file to a PDF file, provided that you have the password to unlock the file. When you save the file as a PDF, you will be prompted to enter the password to unlock the file. Once you have entered the correct password, the file will be saved as a PDF.
Q: Can I convert a scanned PDF file into an Excel file?
A: Yes, you can convert a scanned PDF file into an Excel file, but you will need to use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to extract the data from the scanned image. OCR software uses sophisticated algorithms to recognize the text in the scanned image and convert it into editable text. There are several OCR software programs available, such as Adobe Acrobat Pro, ABBYY FineReader, and OmniPage.
Video Tutorial
For a visual demonstration of how to convert Excel files into PDF files and vice versa, check out the following video tutorial. The tutorial covers both the “Save as PDF” method and the online converter method, and provides a step-by-step guide to each:
Conclusion
Converting Excel files into PDF files and vice versa is a common task for anyone working with data. Fortunately, there are several easy and reliable ways to perform these conversions, including the “Save as PDF” method, online converters, and Adobe Acrobat. When converting PDF files into Excel files, it is important to consider the complexity of the data and the reliability of the conversion method. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly and efficiently convert your Excel files and PDF files as needed.
